Method for planning construction of brick wall

ABSTRACT

A method for planning the construction of a brick wall, a brick allocating program, and a brick allocating system for allocating bricks, metal plates, and bolts and nuts in a DUP construction method is provided, in which a grid pattern XY coordinate system forming square grids is specified, and odd number layer tightening grids (α) and even number layer tightening grids (β) are alternately set in X- and Y-directions. The brick ( 10 ) of an end part of the wall is positioned on a reference grid (γ) so that a first square half part of the brick having a bolt hole ( 30 ) matches the odd or even number layer tightening grid. The bricks of the odd or even number layer are successively arrayed from the reference grid, and the metal plates are disposed in such a manner that at least one bolt hole ( 53 ) of the metal plate ( 50 ) is located on the odd or even number layer tightening grids.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for planing construction of abrick wall, and more specifically, to such a method used forconstructing a brick wall by a dry type of bricklaying constructionmethod in which vertically adjacent bricks are integrally assembledunder pre-stress.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A variety of building construction methods are known in the art, such aswooden, reinforced concrete, steel and block masonry constructionmethods. As a kind of such construction methods, a bricklaying method isknown, in which a wall structure is constructed by bricklaying. Bricksproduced by baking brick clay at a high temperature are evaluated highby their architectural design effects or aesthetic effects resultingfrom their textures, stately appearances, feelings, colors and so forth.The bricks also exhibit their excellent physical performances withrespect to durability, sound insulation effect, fire resistanceefficiency, heat accumulation effect and so forth. Therefore, the brickshave been popularly used worldwide for a long time and widely employedas materials for architectural wall structures.

The present inventor has proposed DUP (Distributed and UnbondedPrestress) construction method as a dry type of bricklaying constructionmethod. This construction method is known as an earthquake resistantbricklaying construction method in which bricks are stacked in amulti-layered condition while pre-stress is introduced into the bricksby tightening forces of metallic bolts. Studies for practicalapplications thereof is still continued (Japanese patent applicationsNos. 4-51893, 5-91674, 6-20659, 7-172603 and 8-43014 (Japanese patentlaid-open publications Nos. 5-255982, 6-299621, 7-229215, 9-21199 and9-235801)).

With respect to the such a bricklaying construction method, the presentinventor has proposed the method in which a bolt hole, a large diameterhollow section and semicircular grooves on end faces are formed inposition of a brick so that various intricate parts of wall structurescan be constructed by a common type of bricks, in Japanese patentapplication No. 2000-270219 (Japanese patent laid-open publication No.2002-81152) and Japanese patent application No. 2002-61227.

The dry type of bricklaying construction method as set forth above is adry construction method in which a brick wall is constructed bytightening forces of bolts and nuts, and this method has achieved anintended purpose, such as considerable reduction of time of constructionperiod, in comparison with a conventional wet type of bricklayingconstruction method. On the other hand, in this construction method, itis necessary to optimize not only allocations of bricks but alsoallocations of metal plates, bolts and nuts in each of the brick layers,because the structure is arranged so that the strength of wall dependson the tightening torque of the bolt and nut which is transmitted as astress to the brick through the metal plate. Accordingly, theallocations and the arrangements of bricks, plates, bolts and nuts inplans and elevations, and the like, should be accurately and promptlydetermined before construction or during construction, in order to makeelevations of brick allocations, plans of allocations of brick and platein regard to each of layers, and so forth. However, an allocating rulefor systemizing and optimizing layout of the bricks, the metal plates,and the bolts and nuts in the DUP construction method has not yet beenestablished, and therefore, construction planning method forestablishing the rule is desired to be developed.

Further, the walls of building includes not only regular and straightwall structures but also peculiar configurations or irregularly deformedparts, such as ends, corners and connections of wall structures,openings of windows or doors, external or internal corners of partitionwalls, and so forth. Therefore, it is necessary to produce variousplates, taking such irregular parts into consideration. For this reason,it is difficult to prepare and stock the plates beforehand, and theconstruction period in the construction site may be affected by a termof time (days) for manufacture of the plates, timing of an order of theplates, or the like.

Furthermore, since the bolts and nuts are positioned at vertical jointsin the conventional bricklaying method, it is necessary to surelyisolate the bolts and nuts from outdoor air and ensure rustproofing,weatherproofing, fireproofing and the like for the bolts and nuts andtheir surrounding structures. In order to omit or simplify suchadditional treatments, it is desired to adopt a design in which thebolts and nuts can be entirely contained in the bricks without the boltsand nuts being positioned at the vertical joints and in which tighteningforces of bolts and nuts can be uniformly distributed over the wholewall so as not to make structural weak points. However, it is difficultto perform such a design in the bricklaying construction method in whichthe layout plans of bricks and plates are required for each of thelayers as set forth above, and therefore, development of constructionplanning method is desired for performing such a design simply, promptlyand systematically.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method forplanning the construction of the brick wall based on the DUPconstruction method, which can accurately, promptly and systematicallydetermine the allocations of the bricks, the plates and the bolts andnuts before construction or during construction for constructing andarbitrary a brick wall with use of a few standardized types of plates,which allows the bolts and nuts to be contained in the bricks, and whichallows the tightening forces of the bolts and nuts to be distributeduniformly throughout the overall walls.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a brickallocating program and a brick allocating system for realizing such amethod for planning construction of the brick wall.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for planning construction of abrick wall made by a dry type of construction method, in which the brickwall are constructed from bricks, bolts, nuts and metal plates and inwhich the bricks are integrally assembled under pre-stress by tighteningforces of the bolts and nuts,

-   -   wherein the brick has a planar dimensional proportion which is        1:2 in an aspect ratio, a bolt hole with a diameter smaller than        an external diameter of said nut vertically extends through a        center of a first square half part of said brick, a hollow        section for containing the nut vertically extends through a        center of a second square half part of said brick, and said bolt        has an overall length for fastening the vertically adjacent two        bricks, comprising the steps of:    -   specifying a grid pattern XY coordinate system forming a number        of square grid units, each of the grid units substantially        conforming to a planar size of the square half part of said        brick, and setting odd number layer tightening grids (α) and        even number layer tightening grids (β) alternately in each of X-        and Y-directions;    -   setting an arbitrary grid unit, to which an end part of the        brick wall is allotted, to be a reference grid (γ);    -   positioning the brick of the end part of the brick wall on said        reference grid for allocating the bricks in the odd number layer        so as to match said first square half part to said odd number        layer tightening grid, and successively arraying the bricks of        the odd number layer from the brick on the reference grid, as        well as positioning the brick of the end part of the brick wall        on said reference grid for allocating the bricks in the even        number layer so as to match said first square half part to said        even number layer tightening grid, and successively arraying the        bricks of the even number layer from the brick on the reference        grid; and    -   arraying said metal plates for allocation of the plates on the        bricks of said odd number layer so that at least one bolt hole        of the plate is positioned on said odd number layer tightening        grid, as well as arraying the metal plates for allocation of the        plates on the bricks of said even number layer so that at least        one bolt hole of the plate is positioned on said even number        layer tightening grid.

In the brick wall made by the DUP construction method, the brick has aparticular planar size (the aspect ratio is 1:2). At the center of eachhalf part of the brick, one of the bolt hole or the hollow section islocated. In the brick wall made by the DUP construction method, the boltcan be set to have an overall length for tightening vertically adjacenttwo bricks and the tightening positions of the nuts can be positionedelevationally alternately and systematically. According to suchregularity and particularity of the DUP construction method, when thehalf part of the brick is recognized as one unit (unit square) of a gridpattern (grid) in a plan, the grid unit of the even number brick layerimmediately under or above the grid unit of the odd number brick layerindicates a position unnecessary for tightening the nut if the grid unitof the odd number brick layer indicates a position necessary fortightening the nut, and vice versa. Therefore, if a grid plan isspecified and the end part (or a corner) of a brick wall is allotted toan arbitrary grid in the grid plan, the allocation of bricks can besystematically determined for the entire building. In addition, as thebolt hole of the metal plate corresponds to the bolt hole of the brickimmediately below the metal plate, the allocation of metal plates in therespective layers can be systematically determined in association withthe allocation of the bricks in the respective layers.

Thus, according to the aforementioned method of planning construction ofthe brick wall, it is possible to accurately, promptly andsystematically determine the allocations of the bricks, the plates, andthe bolts and nuts with use of technologies of electronics andinformation processing, such as computers, electronic devices andcircuits. Further, since the allocation of the metal plates can be alsosystematically carried out, the metal plates can be also standardizedbeforehand in correspondence to the allocation rule of the bricks.Therefore, the brick walls can be constructed with use of a few types ofstandardized metal plates previously manufactured or stocked.Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the bolts and nutsare contained in the bricks without being located at the joint parts ofthe bricks, so that the bolts and nuts are isolated from the externalenvironment. Therefore, durability and fire resistance of the bolts andnuts can be improved. In addition, the bolts and nuts are uniformlydisposed to the overall brick walls, and therefore, the tighteningforces of the bolts and nuts are uniformly distributed over the wholebrick wall.

From another aspect of the present invention, a brick wall of a buildingis provided, which is constructed on the basis of the brick allocationand the plate allocation, and the bolts and nuts are contained in thebolt holes and the hollow sections.

The present invention also provides a brick allocating program forcausing a computer to function so as to make a brick layout drawing forconstruction of a brick wall with respect to the brick wall made by adry type of construction method, in which the brick walls areconstructed from bricks, bolts, nuts and metal plates and in which thebricks are integrally assembled under pre-stress by tightening forces ofthe bolts and nuts, wherein the program causes the computer to functionas:

-   -   grid coordinate system display means for displaying on a        display, a grid pattern XY coordinate system constituted from        square grids, each corresponding to the planar size of a square        half part of the brick;    -   brick allocation model production means for producing brick        allocation model data of an odd number layer and an even number        layer which are adapted for said grids, based on information of        a wall structure and an opening on an architectural design        drawing inputted to said coordinate system;    -   brick layout drawing data production means for automatically        producing brick layout drawing data from said brick allocation        model data; and    -   drawing data output means for outputting said brick layout        drawing data as a working drawing for construction.

The computer controlled by the brick allocating program specifies thegrid pattern XY coordinate system which defines the square grids, andsets the odd number layer tightening grids (α) and the even number layertightening grids (β) alternately in each of X- and Y-directions. The setdimensions of the square unit in the grids substantially conform to theplanar dimensions of a square half part of the brick. Preferably, anarbitrary grid on the XY coordinate system is set to be a referencegrid(γ). The brick of the end part of the brick wall is positioned onthe reference grid so that the aforementioned first square half partmatches with the odd number layer tightening grid, whereby the bricksfor the odd number layer can be successively arrayed from the brick onthe reference grid. Further, the brick of the end part of the brick wallis positioned on the reference grid so that the aforementioned firstsquare half part matches with the even number layer tightening grid,whereby the bricks for the even number layer can be successively arrayedfrom the brick on the reference grid. The computer can automaticallyallocate the metal plates for the odd number layer by positioning atleast one bolt hole of the plate on the odd number tightening grid.Also, the computer can automatically allocate the metal plates for theeven number layer by positioning at least one bolt hole of the plate onthe even number tightening grid. The program as set forth above may bearranged to automatically estimate quantities of the bricks, the bolts,the nuts and the metal plates, based on the number of grids locatingalong the brick wall.

The present invention further provides a brick allocating system formaking a brick layout drawing for construction of a brick wall withrespect to the brick wall made by a dry type of construction method, inwhich the brick walls are constructed from bricks, bolts, nuts and metalplates and in which the bricks are integrally assembled under pre-stressby tightening forces of the bolts and nuts, comprising:

-   -   a display device for displaying a grid pattern XY coordinate        system constituted from square grids, each corresponding to a        planar size of a square half part of the brick;    -   an input device for inputting information of a wall structure        and an opening on an architectural design drawing to said XY        coordinate system;    -   a data processing device producing brick allocation model data        for an odd number layer and an even number layer, which are        adapted for the grids, and automatically producing brick layout        drawing data based on said brick allocation model data;    -   a storage device for storing said brick allocation model data        and said brick layout drawing data; and    -   an output device for outputting said brick layout drawing data        as a working drawing for construction.

According to an preferred embodiment of the present invention, theaforementioned metal plate has two, three, four or five bolt holes,which are spaced from each other, a distance corresponding to the planardimension of the aforesaid square half part. The metal plate is disposedso as to extend over at least two bricks. The nuts for the bricks of theodd number layer are allotted to the bolt holes of the metal plateslocated on the odd number layer, whereas the nuts for the bricks of theeven number layer are allotted to the bolt holes of the metal plateslocated on the even number layer. Preferably, a corner part of an outerbrick wall located on a corner of building is allotted to an arbitrarygrid in the XY coordinate system, so that the aforesaid reference grid(γ) is determined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view showing a house provided withthe brick walls made by the DUP construction method;

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a plan, a front elevation, across-section taken along line I-I and a perspective view of a brickconstituting an outer wall;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a plan, a front elevation, across-section taken along line II-II and a perspective view of anotherbrick constituting the outer wall;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a bricklaying process;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrations showing a vertical cross-sectional view,a perspective view and an elevational view of a brick wall structureconstructed by the bricklaying process as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing a perspective view of a condition thatmetal plates are laid on an upper face of the brick wall as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, and horizontal cross-sectional views of the bricks of aneven number layer and an odd number layer;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view exemplifying an arrangement of the bricksin a corner part of the brick walls;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view exemplifying an arrangement of the bricksin a T-shaped connection of the brick walls;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view exemplifying an arrangement of the brickssurrounding an opening of a door or window;

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing plans which exemplifies anarrangement of the two-holes plates in the brick wall having the wallconnection and the opening of the door or window;

FIG. 12 is an illustration showing plans which exemplifies anarrangement of the three-holes plates in the brick wall having the wallconnection and the opening of the door or window;

FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a plan and a partially enlarged planof a grid plane in which square grids constituting the odd number layertightening grids and the even number layer tightening grids arealternately arranged lengthwise and crosswise;

FIG. 14 is an illustration showing grid plans which exemplifies aprocess of allocating the bricks and the metal plates to be located inthe odd number layer;

FIG. 15 is an illustration showing grid plans which exemplifies aprocess of allocating the bricks and the metal plates to be located inthe even number layer;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing steps of operation for systematicallysetting allocations of the bricks and the plates, and a layout of thebolts; and

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a logic diagram and a system schematic diagram of abrick allocating system carrying out the construction planning methodaccording to the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showingprocesses performed by the brick allocating system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are described hereinafter.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a house provided withbrick walls (brick wall structures) made by the DUP construction method.

The building is generally constructed from a foundation and floor slab1, outer walls 2, inner walls 3, a second floor structure 5, ceilings 6,a roof structure 4 and roofing materials (not shown). The outer wall 2consists of a brick wall which has bricks 10 laid in accordance with theDUP construction method. The inner wall 3 is constructed from woodenpanels which are used in a two-by-four construction method, and it isbuilt on the foundation and floor slab 1. The roof structure 4 issupported by an upper edge of the inner wall 3, and the roofingmaterials are provided on an upper surface of the roof structure 4. Aload of the roof structure 4 acts on the inner wall 3 as a verticalload, which are supported by a load carrying capacity of the inner wall3.

An outer end portion of a shearing reinforcement metal 7 is secured toan upper end portion of the outer wall 2, and the metal 7 extendshorizontally toward the inner wall 3. An inner end portion of the metal7 is bent downward at a right angle and connected to the upper endportion of the inner wall 3. The horizontal load (seismic force and soforth) acting on the roof structure 4 and the inner wall 2 istransmitted to the outer wall 2 by means of the metal 7 and it issupported by resistance of the outer wall 2 against earthquake. Thesecond floor structure 5 and the upstairs inner wall 3 are supported byhorizontal members 9. Shearing reinforcement means 8 for an intermediatefloor 7 interconnects the horizontal members 9 and the outer wall 2 fortransmission of stress.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are illustrations of two types of bricks, each showing aplan, a front elevation, a cross-section and perspective views of thebrick. FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views, perspective viewsand an elevational view, which show a bricklaying method.

The first brick 10A as shown in FIG. 2 is an integrally formed productmade from clay by high temperature baking, which is configured generallyin a form of rectangular prism. The brick 10A is provided with a raisedportion 12 on its front and rear faces. Vertical large diameter hollowsections 20 and a vertical bolt hole 30, each having a circularcross-section, are aligned in a widthwise direction of the brick 10A,and they vertically extend through the brick 10A, respectively. Each ofcenters of the large diameter hollow sections 20 and the bolt hole 30 ispositioned on a center line of the brick 10A, and the centers are spacedan equal distance (b) from each other in a direction of the width (W) ofthe brick 10A. The bolt hole 30 is positioned at a center of one halfpart of the brick 10A (the left half as seen in the figure), and thehollow section 20 is positioned at a center of the other half part ofthe brick 10A (the right half as seen in the figure).

The second brick 10B as shown in FIG. 3 is a brick in a form ofrectangular prism, which is produced by the same raw material and thesame method as those of the first brick 10A. Similarly to the firstbrick 10A, the second brick 10B is provided with the vertical largediameter hollow sections 20 and the vertical bolt hole 30 havingcircular cross-sections, which are aligned on the center line and spacedan equal distance from each other. The bolt hole 30 is positioned at acenter of one half part of the brick 10B (the left half as seen in thefigure), and the hollow section 20 is positioned at a center of theother half part of the brick 10B (the right half as seen in the figure),in the same manner as that of the brick 10A. The brick 10B differs fromthe first brick 10A in that the raised portions 12 are provided on itsfront, rear, both end, top and bottom faces, respectively.

The dimensions (mm) of the bricks 10A, 10B, the bolt hole 30 and thehollow section 20 in this embodiment are set to be as follows:

-   -   Width W, Depth D and Height H of the brick; 220 mm×110 mm×85 mm    -   Locations a, b of the centers of the bolt hole and the hollow        section; 55 mm, 55 mm    -   Diameter d1, d2 of the bolt hole and the hollow section; 16 mm,        40 mm

As is apparent from these values of size, the brick 10A, 10B have aproportion of an aspect ratio of 1:2 (planar dimensional ratio), and itshalf part has a square configuration in the plan view.

Steps of a bricklaying work are shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, ametal plate 50 is interposed between a first layer A of the is bricks 10and a second layer B thereof. Bolt holes 53 of the plate 50 are inalignment with the hollow section 20 and the bolt hole 30. A fullyscrew-cut bolt 60A, which has a height (length) equivalent to the heightof two-layered bricks, extends through the hollow section 20 and thebolt holes 30, 53, and a long nut 70 engageable with the bolt 60A ispositioned in a hollow area 21 of the hollow section 20. A lower endportion of the bolt 60A is screwed into the nut 70 and tightenedthereto.

The plate 50 is positioned on an upper surface of the brick 10 (thefirst layer A; the second layer B) which has been already laid inposition, and a circular washer 63 and a spring washer 62 are positionedon the plate 50 so as to be in alignment with the bolt hole 53. The bolt60A extends through the bolt hole 53 and the washers 63, 62 to protrudeupwardly, and an inside screw 71 of the nut 70 is screwed on an upperend portion of the bolt 60A.

A specific fixing tool 100 as illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 4 isused for tightening the nut 70 onto the bolt 60B. The fixing tool 100 isprovided with a portable driving part 101, a socket part 102 selectivelyengageable with the bolt 60 and the nut 70, and a joint part 103 whichcan integrally connect the proximal portion of the socket 102 with arotary shaft 104 of the driving part 101. The socket part 102 receivesthe nut 70 so as to transmit the torque of the part 101 to the nut 70,thereby rotating the nut 70 in its tightening direction. The nut 70rotates relatively to the bolt 60A to be securely tightened on the upperend portion of the bolt 60A.

In a succeeding bricklaying step, the brick 10 for an upper layer (thethird layer C) is further laid on the lower layer brick B. The nut 70 iscontained in the hollow section 20, and the metal plate 50 is laid onthe brick 10 of the third layer C, and then, the bricks 10 of a furtherupper layer (the fourth layer D) is laid on the plate 50. A bolt 60B isinserted into the bolt hole 30 of the uppermost brick 10 (the fourthlayer D), and the lower end portion of the bolt 60B is screwed into thenut 70. The aforementioned fixing tool 100 is used for tightening thebolt 60B to the nut 70. That is, the socket part 102 of the tool 100receives the upper end portion of the bolt 60B to transmit the torque ofthe driving part 101 to the bolt 60B, so that the bolt 60B is rotated inits tightening direction. As the result, the bolt 60B is securelytightened to the nut 70.

The brick-laid condition of the bricks 10 (the first to fourth layersA:B:C:D) thus constructed is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Tensile stresscorresponding to the tightening torque acts as pre-stress on the bolt60, upper and lower end portions of which are engaged with the nuts 70,and compressive stress acts as pre-stress on the brick 10 between theupper and lower plates 50. The torque-applied to the bolt 60 and the nut70 in the upper layer by the tool 100 transmits to the bolt 60 and thenut 70 of the layer immediately thereunder, and acts to further tightenthe underside bolt and nut. Therefore, a series of connected bolts 60and nuts 70 functions in such a manner that the tightening torque of theupper bolts 60 and nuts 70 is transmitted to the lower bolts 60 and nuts70, and that the lower bolts 60 and nuts 70 are further tightened by astronger tightening torque as the bricks 1 are laid in the upper layers.This results in that the pre-stress of a considerably high strength actson the bolts 60 and the bricks 10 residing in the lower layers, andtherefore, that the rigidity and toughness of the wall are considerablyimproved against the horizontal and vertical exciting forces.

FIG. 7(A) is a perspective view showing the steps of further assemblingthe plate 50, the washers 63, 62 and the nut 70 on the brick 10 of thefourth layer D. The steps as shown in FIG. 4 are repeatedly carried outfor the upper layers above the bricks C:D, whereby a continuous wall (anouter wall or an interior partition wall of a building) having a dryconstruction type of bricklaying structure is constructed, whichcomprises the bricks integrally tightened by the fastening elements 60;62; 63; 70.

FIG. 7(B) is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing an array ofbricks in an even number layer B, D, whereas FIG. 7(C) is a horizontalcross-sectional view showing an array of bricks in an odd numbered layerA, C. As illustrated in the respective views, the nut 70 inserted intothe hollow section 20 and the bolt 60 inserted through the bolt hole 30are spaced apart an equal distance (2 b) from each other and arealternately arrayed on the center line of the brick wall.

If desired, horizontal and vertical joints formed between the upper andlower bricks 10 or between the horizontally adjacent bricks 10 arefilled with joint filler such as a sealing compound.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of the bricks at acorner part of brick wall, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing anarrangement of the bricks at a T-shaped connection of brick walls, andFIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of the bricksaround an opening 200 for a door, window or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the corner of brick wall has a structure in whichthe bricks 10B (FIG. 3) oriented at a right angle are alternately laid.The hollow section 20 and the bolt hole 30 of the bricks 10B arevertically alternately arrayed. Straight bricklaying walls constructedfrom the bricks 10A (FIG. 2) extend at a right angle from the cornerpart.

In FIG. 9, a wall joint part is exemplified, in which straightbricklaying walls constructed from the bricks 10A (FIG. 2) are connectedto each other in a form of letter “T”. Generally, half bricks 10C areused at the joint part of the intersecting walls.

In FIG. 10, a wall structure surrounding the opening 200, such as anopening for a window or a door, is exemplified. The brick wall aroundthe opening has an irregular arrangement in which the bricks 10A (FIG.2) and the bricks 10B (FIG. 3) at a right angle are appropriatelyincorporated.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views showing arrangements of the metal plates50 in a brick wall provided with such a wall joint part and an openingfor a door or window as set forth above.

A two-holes plate 50′ having a pair of holes 53 is shown in FIG. 11(A),and a three-holes plate 50″ having three holes 53 is shown in FIG.12(A). A condition is illustrated in FIG. 11(C) in which the plates 50′are disposed on the brick wall as shown in FIG. 11(B), and a conditionis shown in FIG. 12(B) in which the plates 50″ are mainly disposed onthe brick wall as shown in FIG. 11(B). Basically, each of the metalplates 50 are arranged so as to extend over at least two bricks 10.

The bolt hole 30 of the brick 10 should be located below at least onebolt hole 53 of the plate 50′, 50″, and the nut 70 should be tightenedto the upper end portion of the bolt 60 extending through this bolt hole53.

However, if the types of metal plates 50 are limited to, e.g., only twotypes (the plates 50′, 50″), it would be difficult to easily determineproper locations of the plates and proper positions of the bolts in theparts having a peculiar or deformed configurations, such as the openings200 for doors or windows, projected or recessed corners of interiorpartition walls (interior walls), or the like.

FIG. 13(A) is a plan view illustrating an XY coordinate system forsystematical and accurate setting of positions of the bricks, the metalplates and the bolt and nut. FIG. 13(B) is a partially enlarged view ofthe XY coordinate system as shown in FIG. 13(A). It may be understood orcomprehended that this XY coordinate system is a template for accuratelypositioning the bricks, the metal plates and the bolt and nut.

An X-axis and a Y-axis of the XY coordinate system intersect at a rightangle, and a large number of square grid units are defined in thecoordinate system by the lines extending in X-axis and Y-axisdirections, each of the grid units having dimensions of one half of thebrick 10, i.e., D×W/2=2a×2b (in this embodiment, 110 mm×110 mm). Thesquare grid units are classified into odd number layer tightening gridsα and even number layer tightening grids β. The grid α, β arealternately positioned in the X-direction and the Y-directionrespectively, and a checkered grid pattern is dimensionally uniformlyformed over the whole coordinate system.

As a corner part of the brick wall is positioned at an arbitrary grid γas shown in FIG. 13(B), allocation of the bricks, allocation of theplates and positioning of the bolts can be set systematically for theoverall building, on the basis of the grid γ.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a method for making layout of thebricks and the plates is described hereinafter.

In FIG. 14, a process of allocating the bricks and the plates in the oddnumber layers such as the aforementioned bricks A; C (FIG. 6). In FIG.15, a process of allocating the bricks and the plates in the even numberlayers such as the aforementioned bricks B; D (FIG. 6).

The allocation of the bricks in the odd number layers is carried out byallotting a corner of the brick wall to the reference grid γ andsuccessively allocating the bricks 10 in accord with a planning of thewhole building, as shown in FIG. 14(A), whereby a layout plan or planardistribution map of the bricks corresponding to the building plan can bemade in regard to the odd number layers. Simultaneously, the metalplates 50 are allocated successively from the reference grid γ incorrespondence to the layout plan of the bricks for the odd numberlayers as shown in FIG. 14(B), so that a layout plan or distribution mapof the metal plates for the odd number layers is made in correspondenceto the layout plan of the bricks for the odd number layers. In thisembodiment, the two-holes plates 50′ are mainly used as the metal plates50.

The bricks 10 are allocated on the allocating condition that the boltholes 30 are positioned at the odd number layer tightening grids α. Themetal plates 50 are allocated on the allocating condition that the metalplate 50 extends over the two bricks 10 and that at least one bolt hole53 thereof is positioned in the odd number layer tightening grid α.

As shown in FIG. 15(A), the allocation of the bricks in the even numberlayers is carried out by allotting the corner of the brick wall to thereference grid γ and successively allocating the bricks 10 in accordwith the planning of the whole building, similarly to the allocation ofthe bricks in the odd number layers, whereby a layout plan or planardistribution map of the bricks corresponding to the building plan ismade in regard to the even number layers. The allocation of the bricksin the even number layer differs from that of the odd number layer inthat the allocation is determined on the condition that the bolt holes30 are disposed on the even number layer tightening grid β.Simultaneously, the metal plates 50 are allocated successively from thereference grid γ in correspondence to the layout plan of the bricks forthe even number layers as shown in FIG. 15(B), so that a layout plan ordistribution map of the metal plates for the even number layers is madein correspondence to the layout plan of the bricks for the even numberlayers. The metal is plates 50 are allocated on the allocating conditionthat the metal plate 50 extends over the two bricks 10 and that at leastone bolt hole 53 thereof is positioned in the even number layertightening grid β.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation for systematically settingthe allocation of the bricks, the allocation of the plates and thepositions of the bolts for the whole building with use of theaforementioned coordinate system.

As a plan of the building is fixed by planning of the owner of thebuilding, an architect and the like, positional information of therespective parts of the wall including information of openings and thelike is applied to the aforementioned XY coordinate system, whereby anelevational brick layout is determined, and therefore, the elevationalbrick layout drawings can be drafted. Simultaneously, the wall plan isdeveloped in each of the layers or steps for settling the wall plan ofeach layer or step including the brick layout information and the platelayout information. The bolt holes 30 in the odd number layer arepositioned in the odd number layer tightening grids α, whereas the boltholes 30 in the even number layer are positioned in the even numberlayer tightening grids β. The profile of brick and so forth isdetermined. Thus, the brick layout plan in each of the layers can bemade.

As regards the metal plates 50, the bolt holes 53 of the plates 50 inthe odd number layers are positioned in the odd number layer tighteninggrids α, and the bolt holes 53 of the plates 50 in the even lo numberlayers are positioned in the even number layer tightening grids β,whereby the basic allocation of the plates 50 is made. If desired,study, replacement or the like are conducted with respect to specificparts of the plates. Thus, the plate layout plan can be made in each ofthe layers.

Programming of the flow of operation as shown in FIG. 16 is conduced byinformation processing technology, and if desired, cooperation orplug-in with a drafting software, such as a CAD software, whereby acomputer program for allocation and a brick allocating systemspecialized to the DUP construction method can be made with respect tothe bricks, the plates and the bolts. Further, quantities of the bricks,the plates, the bolts and so on required for construction of thebuilding can be automatically estimated by information processing of thevarious data of such a computer program for allocation.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a logic diagram and a system schematic diagram ofthe brick allocating system which carries out the method (the method ofconstruction planning, execution scheme or execution scheduling)according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart which showsthe processes carried out by the brick allocating system.

As shown in FIG. 17, the brick allocating system comprises projectmanagement means, means for producing a brick allocation model, meansfor drafting brick layout drawings, means for outputting workingdrawings, and means for summing quantities of materials. The projectmanagement means manages various kinds of data produced for each ofhousing construction projects, in each of folders, and relates andassociates the data with each other. The project management means alsomanages renewal histories, backup and access in regard to each of thedata, and controls batch output (continuous printing of drawings and soforth). Design drawings for a house (including at least a plan or plans)made by a constructor, an architectural design office and the like aredisplayed on the grids as information of walls by the means forproducing the brick allocation model. This enables grid adaptation andsetting of the number of layers to be conducted by manual operation ofthe operator. The means for producing the brick allocation model makesdata of the brick allocation model in the odd number layers and the evennumber layers throughout the overall height of wall, in accord with thegrid adaptation operation and the layer number setting operation of anoperator, wherein the model data correspond to the positions and planardimensions of the walls on the design drawings. The means for producingthe brick allocation model also enables input operation adapted for thegrids and the number of brick layers in regard to positions anddimensions of openings such as windows and doors as indicated on thedesign drawings (information of openings). The positions and dimensionsof openings (data of openings) after the grid adaptation and the bricklayer number setting, are composed into the brick allocation model databy the means for producing the brick allocation model. The means fordrafting brick layout drawings automatically drafts brick layout plans,elevations, framing elevations, sections and so forth, based on thebrick allocation model data for the odd number and even number layerscombined with the data of openings. Further, the means for draftingbrick layout drawings automatically drafts layout drawings of theplates, layout drawings of the bolts and nuts, and so forth, based onthe brick allocation model data. The means for outputting workingdrawings continuously prints out the various kinds of brick layoutdrawings (plans, elevations, framing elevations, and sections of thebrick layout) made by the means for drafting brick layout drawings,under control of the project management means, as being the workingdrawings. The means for summing quantities of materials sums up thequantities of bricks, plates, bolts, nuts and so forth, and prints outthe aggregated total in a form of sum total tables of quantities ofmaterials. The various kinds of data files produced in the processes asset forth above are stored in the same folder by the project managementmeans, which manages these data files with use of a hierarchicalstructure defined by a basic OS (Operating System) of the computer.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, operation of the brick allocatingsystem is specifically described hereinafter.

The brick allocating system can be embodied by a widely used PC(Personal Computer). As shown in FIG. 18, a CPU(Central ProcessingUnit), a main memory, an external storage, an input device, an outputdevice, and a display device are connected to each other by a busstructure. A program for allocating the bricks, which is made byspecifically programming the method for planning construction of brickwall according to the present invention, is previously installed to thePC, and the program is memorized as a control program by the main memoryat the-time of bootstrap. The CPU and the main memory (after memorizingthe control program) constitute a data processing system which producesand composes various kinds of data.

The plan of house made by a constructor or the like is inputted to thePC through a network or communication means, such as Internet, Intranet,LAN(Local Area Network), an FD, a MD, a ZIP, or an external HDD, or animage capturing device such as a scanner.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) stores the plan of a house (theoriginal drawing) in the external storage (a file system) such as abuilt-in HDD, and displays the plan and the grid coordinate system on acomputer display in response to commands of the control program of themain memory. The grid coordinate systems are displayed on the displaydevice as illustrated on FIGS. 13 to 15 in conditions that the plan isoverlaid on the grid coordinate systems. In general, the architecturalmodule for designing a house does not conform to a multiple of adimensional unit of a brick (220(110)×110×85), and therefore, operationsare required for coordinating the wall positions and dimensions of thehouse plan with the grids. These operations includes a grid adaptationoperation of the wall positions and the wall dimensions by adjusting thedimensions, and a setting operation of the number of brick layers incorrespondence to the height of the wall. The grid adaptation operationand the setting operation of the number of brick layers are carried outby manual operations of the operator with use of a pointing device suchas a mouse and a keyboard. As the result of such a grid adaptationoperation, the wall positions and the wall dimensions indicated on theplan of the house (the original drawing), i.e., the wall structureinformation is adjusted to be the planar positions and the planardimensions adapted for the grids on the display device, as illustratedon FIGS. 14(A) and 15(A). As the result of such a setting operation, thewall structure information is set to be the wall height suitable for theunit dimension of the brick. Further, the CPU determines brickallocation patterns for the odd number layer and the even number layerin response to the commands of the control program, and stores thepatterns in the external storage as being a brick allocation model data.Such data processing and data storage are carried out for each floor ofthe house, so that the brick allocation model data and the plans ofhouse (the original drawings) for the respective floors are stored inthe external storage.

Then, information of the positions and the dimensions of openings(windows, doors and the like) on the design drawings made by theconstructors or the like (information of openings) is inputted to thebrick allocation models in such a manner that it is adapted for thegrids and the number of brick layers. The grid adaptation operation andthe brick layer numbers setting operation for the positions anddimensions of the openings are carried out by manual operations of theoperator with use of the pointing device and the keyboard, as in theaforementioned operations for the walls. As the result of inputting suchinformation of openings, the planar positions of openings as indicatedon the plans of house (the original drawings) are specified in the brickallocation models so as to be adapted for the grids on the displaydevice, and the elevational positions (upper ends and lower ends) ofopenings are specified in the brick allocation models so as to beadapted for the number of grid layers. The positions and dimensions ofthe openings specified in the brick allocation models are stored in theexternal storage as data of openings adapted for the brick allocation.

The CPU incorporates the data of openings to the brick allocation modelsin response to the commands of the control program. The CPUautomatically makes brick layout plans for the respective brick layers,based on the brick allocation models after the incorporation, and also,automatically makes brick layout elevations, framing elevations(elevations in which only bricks are depicted), and sections. The bricklayout plans, elevations, framing elevations and sections are stored inthe external storage as CAD (Computer Aided Design) data or CADcompatible data.

At the same time, the CPU determines positions of the metal plates to beinserted between the bricks, and positions of the bolts and nuts forfastening the bricks, and then, automatically makes layout drawings ofthe plates and layout drawings of the bolts and nuts, as shown in FIG.14(B) and FIG. 15(B). These layout drawings are stored in the externalstorage as CAD data or CAD compatible data.

The CPU checks peculiar portions which does not fall under the automaticallocating rules (brick allocating rules, and positioning rules ofplates, bolts and nuts) which are set in the control program, andindicates such peculiar portions on the drawings. Indications of thesepeculiar portions are made by, e.g., depicting circles surrounding thepeculiar portions or presenting the peculiar portions by a specificcolor. As this kind of peculiar portion, a part of the wall having anopening extremely close to an end, a corner or an intersection of thewall or walls, where suitable positioning of the metal plates isdifficult, or a joint part of the walls having the center lines of thewalls slightly offset, is exemplified. Empirically, it is assumed thatsuch a portion would appear very often in actual houses.

This kind of irregular part (peculiar portion) is indicated on thedisplay device and the operator manually corrects or input theallocation of bricks and the positions of plates, bolts and nuts in sucha part by individual editing. After revision of the peculiar parts bymanual correction or input, CAD data or CAD compatible data of the bricklayout plans, elevations, framing elevations and sections; layoutdrawings of plates; and layout drawings of bolts and nuts are stored inthe external storage as data of working drawings.

The data of working drawings are continuously printed out from an outputdevice such as a plotter by the operator's manipulation of the pointingdevice and keyboard. The printed working drawings are delivered to theconstructors, the architectural design office, the construction site orthe like. Media, in which the working drawings are stored as CAD data orCAD compatible data, may be furnished to the constructors or the like.The data of the working drawings may be transmitted thereto throughcommunication means.

The CPU automatically estimates the quantities of materials such asbricks, plates, bolts and nuts in accordance with commands of thecontrol program. The automatic estimation is carried out byautomatically integrating the respective materials from the data ofworking drawings and automatically summing them in a form of table. Dataof quantities of the respective materials are quickly processed andsummed up by plug-in or cooperation of a spread sheet software. Theoperator can print out aggregated tables of quantities of materials froman output device such as a printer by manipulation of the pointingdevice or the keyboard. If desired, the control program is arranged soas to set functional formulas of the quantities of materials andman-hours, functional formulas of the quantities of materials and thequantities of subsidiary materials, and the like, and the CPUautomatically calculates the man-hours, the quantities of subsidiarymaterials, and the like, in response to the commands of the controlprogram. In a case where the control program has such an arrangement,the operator can print out the man-hours, the quantities of subsidiarymaterials and the like from the output device by manipulation of thepointing device and the keyboard.

The control program instructs the CPU to store in the external storageor the main memory, the project management information for managing thevarious kinds of data stored in the external storage. The aforementionedkinds of data are stored in the external storage, whenever design andconstruction projects of houses are performed, and a large amount ofdata are stored in the external storage. However, the project managementmeans centralizingly manages the various kinds of data for therespective projects in each of the folders, and renders the data to bein relation to and in cooperation with each other. If any change is madeto the design drawings (original drawings) of the house which areinitial data, the brick allocation model is revised, whereby the layoutplans, framing elevations, sections and elevations; the layout drawingsof the plates; the layout drawings of the bolts and nuts; and theresults of estimation can be automatically revised by their linking withthe revised brick allocation model. The data after revision can beoutput as set forth above.

The project management means also functions as means for recordinghistories of revision of the design, and acts as a resource ofinformation for management of each of the houses during construction andafter construction. This enables the project history information forquality control, control of construction period, and the like, to bepromptly supplied to the construction sites, the constructors, thearchitectural design offices, the owners of buildings, and so forth.

As set forth above, according to the aforementioned method (grid method)for allocating the bricks, plates and bolts with use of the grid plan,allocation and so forth for the bricks 10, plates 50, bolts 60 and nuts70 can be determined accurately, simply, promptly and systematicallybefore construction or during construction by means of the odd numberlayer tightening grids α in the odd number layers and the even numberlayer tightening grids β in the even number layers. In accordance withsuch a grid method, optimized design with use of a few types of metalplates can be performed by means of systematic and simple human work ormechanical work, and therefore, the types of metal plates can berestricted. Thus, standardized production of the metal plates and stockof them are possible. Further, use of the aforementioned grid methodallows substantially all of the bolts and nuts to be contained in thehollow sections 20 and the bolt holes 30 of the bricks 10, andtherefore, weather resistance, fire resistance and the like of the boltsand nuts are improved. In addition, the bolts and nuts are uniformlydistributed over the entire brick walls, so that the effects oftightening forces of the bolts and nuts can be uniformly given to theoverall walls.

Although the present invention has been described as to specificembodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments,but may be modified and changed without departing from the scope of theinvention as claimed in the attached claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention provides a method for planningconstruction of the brick wall based on the DUP construction method,which can accurately, promptly and systematically determine theallocations of the bricks, the plates and the bolts and nuts beforeconstruction or during construction for constructing an arbitrary brickwall with use of a few standardized types of plates, which allows thebolts and nuts to be contained in the bricks, and which allows thetightening forces of the bolts and nuts to be distributed uniformlythroughout the overall walls.

Further, the present invention provides a brick allocating program and abrick allocating system for realizing such a method for planningconstruction of the brick wall.

1. A method for planning construction of a brick wall made by a dry typeof construction method, in which the brick wall is constructed frombricks, bolts, nuts and metal plates and in which the bricks areintegrally assembled under pre-stress by tightening forces of the boltsand nuts, wherein the brick has a planar dimensional proportion which is1:2 in an aspect ratio, a bolt hole with a diameter smaller than anexternal diameter of said nut vertically extends through a center of afirst square half part of said brick, a hollow section for containingthe nut vertically extends through a center of a second square half partof said brick, and said bolt has an overall length for fastening thevertically adjacent two bricks, comprising the steps of: specifying agrid pattern XY coordinate system forming a number of square grid units,each of the grid units substantially conforming to a planar size of thesquare half part of said brick, and setting odd number layer tighteninggrids (α) and even number layer tightening grids (β) alternately in eachof X- and Y-directions; setting an arbitrary grid unit, to which an endpart of the brick wall is allotted, to be a reference grid (γ);positioning the brick of the end part of the brick wall on saidreference grid for allocating the bricks in the odd number layer so asto match said first square half part to said odd number layer tighteninggrid, and successively arraying the bricks of the odd number layer fromthe brick on the reference grid, as well as positioning the brick of theend part of the brick wall on said reference grid for allocating thebricks in the even number layer so as to match said first square halfpart to said even number layer tightening grid, and successivelyarraying the bricks of the even number layer from the brick on thereference grid; and arraying said metal plates for allocation of theplates on the bricks of said odd number layer so that at least one bolthole of the plate is positioned on said odd number layer tighteninggrid, as well as arraying the metal plates for allocation of the plateson the bricks of said even number layer so that at least one bolt holeof the plate is positioned on said even number layer tightening grid. 2.A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said metal plate has two, three,four or five bolt holes, which are spaced from each other, a distancecorresponding to the planar dimension of said square half part.
 3. Amethod as defined in claim 1, wherein said nuts for the bricks of theodd number layer are allotted to the bolt holes of said metal plateslocated on the odd number layer, and the nuts for the bricks of the evennumber layer are allotted to the bolt holes of said metal plates locatedon the even number layer.
 4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein acorner of the brick wall is allotted to said grid, so that the saidreference grid (γ) is determined.
 5. A method as defined in claim 1,wherein quantities of the bricks, the bolts, the nuts and the metalplates are estimated, based on the number of grids locating along thebrick wall.
 6. A brick wall of a building which is constructed inaccordance with the brick allocation and the plate allocation determinedby the method as defined in claim 1, so that said bolts and nuts arecontained in said bolt holes and said hollow sections.
 7. A brickallocating program for causing a computer to function so as to make abrick layout drawing for construction of a brick wall with respect tothe brick wall made by a dry type of construction method, in which thebrick walls are constructed from bricks, bolts, nuts and metal platesand in which the bricks are integrally assembled under pre-stress bytightening forces of the bolts and nuts, wherein the program causes thecomputer to function as: grid coordinate system display means fordisplaying on a display, a grid pattern XY coordinate system constitutedfrom square grids, each corresponding to the planar size of a squarehalf part of the brick; brick allocation model production means forproducing brick allocation model data of an odd number layer and an evennumber layer which are adapted for said grids, based on information of awall structure and an opening on an architectural design drawinginputted to said XY coordinate system; brick layout drawing dataproduction means for automatically producing brick layout drawing datafrom said brick allocation model data; and drawing data output means foroutputting said brick layout drawing data as a working drawing forconstruction.
 8. A program as defined in claim 7, causing the computerto function as means for producing layout drawing data for allocatingthe bolts, the nuts and the metal plates, which automatically producesthe layout drawing data of the bolts, the nuts and the metal plates onthe basis of said brick allocation model data.
 9. A program as definedin claim 7, wherein said grid coordinate system display means causes thecomputer to display a plan of said architectural design drawing on thesaid XY coordinate system.
 10. A program as defined in claim 7, causingthe computer to function as material quantities summing means forsumming up the quantities of the bricks, the bolts, the nuts and themetal plates on the basis of said brick allocation model data.
 11. Aprogram as defined in claim 8, causing the computer to function asindividual revision means for displaying a peculiar portion inconsistentwith a rule for automatically producing said brick layout drawing datain said brick layout drawing data production means, and enabling amanual revision or input of the allocation of the bricks, the bolts, thenuts and the metal plates in said peculiar portion.
 12. A brickallocating system for making a brick layout drawing for construction ofa brick wall with respect to the brick wall made by a dry type ofconstruction method, in which the brick walls are constructed frombricks, bolts, nuts and metal plates and in which the bricks areintegrally assembled under pre-stress by tightening forces of the boltsand nuts, comprising: a display device for displaying a grid pattern XYcoordinate system constituted from square grids, each corresponding tothe planar size of a square half part of the brick; an input device forinputting information of a wall structure and an opening on anarchitectural design drawing, to said XY coordinate system; a dataprocessing device producing brick allocation model data for an oddnumber layer and an even number layer, which are adapted for the grids,and automatically producing brick layout drawing data based on saidbrick allocation model data; a storage device for storing said brickallocation model data and said brick layout drawing data; and an outputdevice for outputting said brick layout drawing data as a workingdrawing for construction.
 13. A system as defined in claim 12, whereinsaid data processing device automatically produces layout drawing dataof the bolts, the nuts and the metal plates from said brick allocationmodel data; said storage device stores said layout drawing data of thebolts, the nuts and the metal plates; and said output device outputssaid layout drawing data of the bolts, the nuts and the metal plates asa working drawing for construction.
 14. A system as defined in claim 12,wherein said data processing device sums up quantities of the bricks,the bolts, the nuts and the metal plates on the basis of said brickallocation model data; said storage device stores the quantities of thebricks, the bolts, the nuts and the metal plates; and said output deviceoutputs data of the quantities of the bricks, the bolts, the nuts andthe metal plates.
 15. A system as defined in claim 12, wherein said dataprocessing device sets odd number layer tightening grids (α) and evennumber layer tightening grids (β) alternately in each of X- andY-directions; sets a grid unit on the XY coordinate system to which anend part of the brick wall is allotted, to be a reference grid (γ);successively arrays the bricks of the odd number layer from the brick onthe reference grid in such a manner that a first half part of the brickwith a bolt hole matches the odd number layer tightening grid; andsuccessively arrays the bricks of the even number layer from the brickon the reference grid in such a manner that said first half part matchesthe even number layer tightening grid.
 16. A system as defined in claim13, wherein said data processing device arrays the metal plates of theodd number layer so that at least one bolt hole of the plate ispositioned on said odd number layer tightening grid, and arrays themetal plates of the even number layer so that at least one bolt hole ofthe metal plate is positioned on said even number layer tightening grid.